Since the early 2000s, HAWA expanded their services to include domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy and support services to thousands of Hmong women and their families in Milwaukee, making HAWA among the very few Hmong women-led organizations in the country that dedicates all of their resources to ending gender-based violence within the Hmong community.

In addition, HAWA along with other WI Hmong women gender justice advocates have worked diligently to create gender-based violence terminology specific to the Hmong community. The outcome of the collaborative work has created terminology and collective analysis that have been used nationally and internationally to appropriately serve Hmong survivors of gender-based violence and implement community education around the issues.

1993

Hmong women and other community women organized for a space to support Hmong women with services

1996

HAWA was formed as an official non-profit; Paj Ntaub Circle was the first program HAWA provided

1997

Body of work has incorporated leadership development programs, cultural enrichment programs for Hmong women and girls

Mid 2000s

HAWA began providing domestic violence services

2012

HAWA becomes FIRST Hmong, culturally-specific program to receive SA grant in the state of WI

2017

HAWA is the FIRST culturally-specific program in Milwaukee to provide support services for Southeast Asian Queer and Trans folks

2018

HAWA begins their civic engagement & community organizing work

2021

HAWA purchases a permanent building to continue its advocacy and organizing work

2023

HAWA expands their community resource center, opening up a community classroom, computer lab and volunteer lounge